Pearl River County School District Superintendent Dennis Penton told the school board Thursday night that tables for computers would not be cost effective for the Fast Forward Lab since they would cost more than desktops.

He asked the board to consider allowing the shelves to be built in-house through the maintenance department rather than purchasing them ready-made.

Byron Stockstill made the motion to accept the proposal for the shelving and the motion passed.

The Mississippi Adequate Education Plan rally in Jackson was attended by Penton and district principals Elaine Welch and Loren Harris along with Margie Creel, Penton said. The bill in the house was for a 3 percent raise for all teachers and the bill passed the House.

The bill still must pass the Senate and be signed by Gov. Haley Barbour, but Penton was proud the bill made it this far.

The new field house was briefly discussed. The slab is done and the contractor is waiting on the steel company to put the building in place. Penton anticipates that will happen this month.

A district committee met to discuss maintenance of the field house, Penton said. The panel hopes to bring the maintenance plan for approval before the school board soon so it can go out for bids. Committee members hope the board can vote on the bids at its March meeting, he said.

The school board has been discussing building a new school based on studies in elementary growth, Penton said. The board approved holding a public meeting on Thursday, March 1.

A new funding source for architects has developed, the superintendent said. Penton has been asked to participate in a design institute to take care of the plans. Architects will donate their time and skills to design plans for school buildings and different projects.

The institute is in Washington and Penton will need to travel there to participate. He recommended putting off the public meeting until more information could be gathered to present at the public meeting. The board also approved travel expenses for Penton to make the trip.

In other business, the board:

— Approved financial matters..

— Approved a timeline to develop the next year’s budget from Feb. 1 to Aug. 15 whenthe budget will go to the Board of Supervisors for its approval.

— Approved a lease agreement with Lindmark Outdoor Advertising for the company to pay the school district for a sign placed on district property.